July 22, 2023...Preview: 'We're be ready to go' Nash promises York will be up for the task at Valour FC (from York United FC website)

PREVIEW: 'WE'LL BE READY TO GO' NASH PROMISES YORK WILL BE UP FOR THE TASK AT VALOUR FC

The Nine Stripes will look to find the net away in Winnipeg

York United FC need a win away at Valour FC on Sunday, to get back into the playoff picture.

The Nine Stripes slipped to fifth in the table after last week’s goalless draw at home with Pacific FC.

It has been two straight matches without a win, and York know another reverse result may hurt their post-season prospects.

The last match between the two sides in Winnipeg was back in June. when they split points in an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Head Coach Martin Nash wants his troops to find ways to unlock the rearguard of Phil Dos Santos’ side in their latest visit to IG Field.

''I think they're a very solid defensive team,'' Nash said. ‘‘They're very organized, they're tough to beat at their place. So, we're going to have a good game but we know really what to expect: an organized team that's not going to give away a lot of chances.''

''I think we got to be a bit more direct in the frontal third. I think we're playing well enough in the middle third of the pitch, but when we get to the final third, we're a bit slow and taking too long to make decisions and allowing teams to get organized behind the ball. So, we need to be more direct and not allow teams to get back and get numbers behind the ball.''

For the first time this season, versatile Paris Gee will miss a match after accumulating four yellows.

York’s top scorer this term, Mo Babouli, continues to sit out after collecting a straight red in the derby against Forge two weeks ago.

‘‘[Gee’s] a big miss,” Nash said. “He's been one of our best players and most consistent players all year. So, he'd be a big miss and obviously with Mo out as well, one of our top attacking players-our leading goal scorer. There are some challenges but we feel we have players that can fill those roles and working with the group that's gonna play all week, so we'll be ready to go.”

OPPONENTS WATCH:

Valour are on a three-match winless run, but in their last encounter the Winnipegers managed a 1-1 draw at reigning champion Forge FC.

The majority of Valour’s goals this season have come from Klaidi Cela, Diego Gutiérrez and Kian Williams.

This will be an eighth home match for Valour, who hold a 2-4-1 record.

Valour are seventh in the Canadian Premier League, with 16 points from 15 matches.

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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